If you're thinking about taking dietary supplements, you are not alone. Surveys find a common reaction for newly diagnosed cancer patients is to load up on vitamins at the health food store to potentially help fight the cancer or to help reduce the toxic effects of chemotherapy. Unfortunately, overloading on certain dietary supplements may do more harm than good as some may actually interfere with the drugs you are receiving for treatment.

Maintaining a healthy diet is important during treatment. For patients unable to do so, doctors and dietitians may recommend dietary supplements. However, many oncologists discourage patients from using excessive amounts of supplements during treatment.

So what’s the answer for cancer patients trying to balance their nutritional needs during cancer treatment with any possible dangers? With no cookie-cutter approach to supplements, each situation must be considered independently, and you should always consult your doctor before using dietary supplements.

Although herbal supplements are being studied for their potential to reduce side effects, they can interact negatively with many medications, so their use is often discouraged during treatment, and use at any time should first be discussed with your oncologist.

Losing or Gaining Weight

Weight loss or gain that is associated with the anxiety of a cancer diagnosis is a common side effect. A syndrome called cachexia is weight loss experienced by some patients that is harder to control.

Some treatments, particularly those for breast, prostate and ovarian cancers, may cause weight gain. Chemotherapy and steroids may increase appetite and cause fluid retention—leading to treatment-related weight gain. Fatigue and decreased physical activity can also contribute.

To cope with these fluctuating issues, limit intake of calorie-dense foods, and instead increase intake of vegetables and fresh fruits. With approval from your doctor, exercising daily will help fatigue, weight maintenance, anxiety and mobility. After treatment, ask your doctor about starting an exercise program and slowly increase the intensity to avoid injury. Some gyms and cancer centers have programs designed for cancer patients, and many oncology practices provide a dietitian with oncology experience.

Staying Hydrated

Water is the most important nutrient in your diet. Dehydration occurs when the body takes in less fluid than it releases. It happens quickly when a patient has diarrhea, vomiting or fever with sweating.

You may not have the desire or energy to eat or drink, so when you do feel thirsty, you may already be dehydrated. Symptoms include little or darkcolored urine, fatigue, sunken eyes and skin that remains raised if pinched (called skin turgor). Signs of severe dehydration, such as low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, dizziness and confusion, require immediate intravenous fluids.

Proper hydration can alleviate common side effects such as constipation and fatigue, as well as rare but serious effects, such as kidney damage. Because the kidneys filter waste, chemicals and excess compounds from the blood, intravenous fluids are given during some types of treatment. Drinking water before and after treatment is recommended to flush toxins through the kidneys and bladder quickly.

Patients with compromised immune systems can stay hydrated by drinking tap water if it is from a city water supply or municipal well serving a highly populated area. If water is not from a city water or municipal well, use boiled, distilled or bottled water.

Sometimes water may not be enough. Broths, sports drinks and other products can restore fluid and electrolyte balance in the body. Good hydration is one way you can stay as healthy as possible and feel better during and after treatment.

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